Best Timpanis for Beginner 2026

Perfect timpanis for beginner - easy to play and learn on

Last updated: January 21, 2026 • Next update: January 28, 2026

PRICE RANGES: Under $5,000

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Orchestral For Classical For Opera For Symphony For Concert Band For Film Scoring

BRANDS: Adams Bergerault Wiener Pauken Produktions GmbH

Wiener Pauken Produktions GmbH Schnellar Alto 660 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Wiener Pauken Produktions GmbH Schnellar Alto 660

by Wiener Pauken Produktions GmbH

Orchestral Classical Concert Band

Key Feature:

• Powerful orchestral foundation

✓ PROS

• Essential classical voice
• Precise pitch control

✗ CONS

• Needs professional maintenance
• Heavy and difficult to transport

Wiener Pauken Produktions GmbH Schnellar Alto 660Alto TimpaniHans Schnellar modelHans Schnellar systemTonal range: B -...

⭐ 4.8/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 598204

$14,453

Buy at Thomann View Details

Wiener Pauken Produktions GmbH Mahler Tenor/Basso 770 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Wiener Pauken Produktions GmbH Mahler Tenor/Basso 770

by Wiener Pauken Produktions GmbH

Orchestral Classical Symphony

Key Feature:

• Powerful orchestral foundation

✓ PROS

• Powerful orchestral foundation
• Professional tuning mechanisms

✗ CONS

• Heavy and difficult to transport
• Needs professional maintenance

Wiener Pauken Produktions GmbH Mahler Tenor/Basso 770Tenor/BassoGustav Mahler modelHans Schnellar systemTonal range:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 599916

$15,838

Buy at Thomann View Details

Wiener Pauken Produktions GmbH Mahler Piccolo 620 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Wiener Pauken Produktions GmbH Mahler Piccolo 620

by Wiener Pauken Produktions GmbH

Film Scoring Concert Band Classical

Key Feature:

• Powerful orchestral foundation

✓ PROS

• Wide dynamic range
• Professional tuning mechanisms

✗ CONS

• Advanced technique required
• Heavy and difficult to transport

Wiener Pauken Produktions GmbH Mahler Piccolo 620Piccolo TimpaniGustav Mahler modelHans Schnellar systemTonal range: D...

⭐ 4.8/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 599906

$15,047

Buy at Thomann View Details

Wiener Pauken Produktions GmbH Mahler Alto 700 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Wiener Pauken Produktions GmbH Mahler Alto 700

by Wiener Pauken Produktions GmbH

Concert Band Opera Classical

Key Feature:

• Essential classical voice

✓ PROS

• Professional tuning mechanisms
• Precise pitch control

✗ CONS

• Heavy and difficult to transport
• Advanced technique required

Wiener Pauken Produktions GmbH Mahler Alto 700TimpaniGustav Mahler modelHans Schnellar systemTonal range: B - FShell...

⭐ 4.8/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 599913

$15,454

Buy at Thomann View Details

Wiener Pauken Produktions GmbH Mahler Soprano 660 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Wiener Pauken Produktions GmbH Mahler Soprano 660

by Wiener Pauken Produktions GmbH

Symphony Concert Band Classical

Key Feature:

• Wide dynamic range

✓ PROS

• Wide dynamic range
• Essential classical voice

✗ CONS

• Heavy and difficult to transport
• Needs professional maintenance

Wiener Pauken Produktions GmbH Mahler Soprano 660Soprano TimpaniGustav Mahler modelHans Schnellar systemTonal range: C...

⭐ 4.9/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 599907

$15,256

Buy at Thomann View Details

Adams 2PARFKG26L American Position - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Adams 2PARFKG26L American Position

by Adams

Orchestral Concert Band Opera

Key Feature:

• Essential classical voice

✓ PROS

• Wide dynamic range
• Professional tuning mechanisms

✗ CONS

• Very expensive investment
• Requires significant space

Adams 2PARFKG26L American PositionPedal shell timpaniWith copper shell and fine tunerSize: 26"American lineup...

⭐ 4.8/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 375084

$3,298

Buy at Thomann View Details

Adams 2PASYIIDH32D German - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Adams 2PASYIIDH32D German

by Adams

Film Scoring Orchestral Classical

Key Feature:

• Essential classical voice

✓ PROS

• Wide dynamic range
• Powerful orchestral foundation

✗ CONS

• Needs professional maintenance
• Advanced technique required

Adams 2PASYIIDH32D GermanCopper Pedal Kettle DrumSize: 32"Evenly hammereddeep copper bowlFine tuner3 Braked...

⭐ 4.9/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 335934

$7,588

Buy at Thomann View Details

Adams 32" 2PAUFKH32L FS American - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Adams 32" 2PAUFKH32L FS American

by Adams

Concert Band Symphony Classical

Key Feature:

• Essential classical voice

✓ PROS

• Professional tuning mechanisms
• Precise pitch control

✗ CONS

• Needs professional maintenance
• Advanced technique required

Adams 32" 2PAUFKH32L FS AmericanHammered Universal Copper Pedal TimpaniSize: 32"American positionParabolic...

⭐ 4.5/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 385201

$4,178

Buy at Thomann View Details

Wiener Pauken Produktions GmbH Schnellar Tenor/Basso 700 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Wiener Pauken Produktions GmbH Schnellar Tenor/Basso 700

by Wiener Pauken Produktions GmbH

Opera Concert Band Classical

Key Feature:

• Powerful orchestral foundation

✓ PROS

• Professional tuning mechanisms
• Precise pitch control

✗ CONS

• Heavy and difficult to transport
• Needs professional maintenance

Wiener Pauken Produktions GmbH Schnellar Tenor/Basso 700Tenor/Bass TimpaniHans Schnellar modelHans Schnellar...

⭐ 4.8/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 598206

$14,848

Buy at Thomann View Details

Adams 2PASYIIDH29D German - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.8/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Adams 2PASYIIDH29D German

by Adams

Concert Band Classical Orchestral

Key Feature:

• Powerful orchestral foundation

✓ PROS

• Precise pitch control
• Powerful orchestral foundation

✗ CONS

• Needs professional maintenance
• Very expensive investment

Adams 2PASYIIDH29D GermanCopper Pedal Kettle DrumSize: 29"Evenly hammereddeep copper bowlFine tuner3 Braked...

⭐ 4.8/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 335933

$7,038

Buy at Thomann View Details

Adams German Classic 32" Curfs - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.9/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Adams German Classic 32" Curfs

by Adams

Symphony Film Scoring Orchestral

Key Feature:

• Precise pitch control

✓ PROS

• Essential classical voice
• Wide dynamic range

✗ CONS

• Needs professional maintenance
• Advanced technique required

Adams German Classic 32" CurfsTimpaniSize: 32"Curfs modelBerlin pedal systemTuning gaugeFine tunerKalfo Super...

⭐ 4.9/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 409236

$15,948

Buy at Thomann View Details

Adams 2PARFKG32L American Position - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.6/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Adams 2PARFKG32L American Position

by Adams

Film Scoring Symphony Orchestral

Key Feature:

• Precise pitch control

✓ PROS

• Professional tuning mechanisms
• Precise pitch control

✗ CONS

• Heavy and difficult to transport
• Needs professional maintenance

Adams 2PARFKG32L American PositionPedal Kettle DrumWith copper kettle and fine tunerSize: 32"American position...

⭐ 4.6/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 375081

$3,958

Buy at Thomann View Details

Adams 32" 2PAUFKG32L FS American - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.9/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Adams 32" 2PAUFKG32L FS American

by Adams

Symphony Opera Film Scoring

Key Feature:

• Wide dynamic range

✓ PROS

• Powerful orchestral foundation
• Precise pitch control

✗ CONS

• Advanced technique required
• Requires significant space

Adams 32" 2PAUFKG32L FS AmericanCopper Pedal Kettle DrumSize: 32"American playing positionParabolic bowlFixed...

⭐ 4.9/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 477621

$3,628

Buy at Thomann View Details

Adams 29" 2PAUFKG29L FS American - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.7/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Adams 29" 2PAUFKG29L FS American

by Adams

Concert Band Symphony Film Scoring

Key Feature:

• Professional tuning mechanisms

✓ PROS

• Precise pitch control
• Wide dynamic range

✗ CONS

• Very expensive investment
• Needs professional maintenance

Adams 29" 2PAUFKG29L FS AmericanCopper Pedal Kettle DrumSize: 29"American playing positionParabolic bowlFixed...

⭐ 4.7/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 477620

$3,298

Buy at Thomann View Details

Adams Schnellar Timpani 61cm - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.7/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Adams Schnellar Timpani 61cm

by Adams

Concert Band Opera Film Scoring

Key Feature:

• Professional tuning mechanisms

✓ PROS

• Essential classical voice
• Precise pitch control

✗ CONS

• Requires significant space
• Heavy and difficult to transport

Adams Schnellar Timpani 59cmKettle DrumSize: 61 cmLacquer finished tripod frameSonnberg goatskin drumheadCrank...

⭐ 4.7/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 435695

$7,368

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Timpanis

Budget Planning

• Under $200: Entry-level
• $200-$500: Intermediate
• $500-$1000: Advanced
• $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

• Sound clarity & tone
• Build materials & finish
• Hardware durability
• Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

• Your musical style
• Skill level match
• Intended use case
• Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.

Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.

Higher-priced timpanis typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.

Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.

Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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Best Timpanis for Beginner 2026

Wiener Pauken Produktions GmbH Schnellar Alto 660

Wiener Pauken Produktions GmbH Mahler Tenor/Basso 770

Wiener Pauken Produktions GmbH Mahler Piccolo 620

Wiener Pauken Produktions GmbH Mahler Alto 700

Wiener Pauken Produktions GmbH Mahler Soprano 660

Adams 2PARFKG26L American Position

Adams 2PASYIIDH32D German

Adams 32" 2PAUFKH32L FS American

Wiener Pauken Produktions GmbH Schnellar Tenor/Basso 700

Adams 2PASYIIDH29D German

Adams German Classic 32" Curfs

Adams 2PARFKG32L American Position

Adams 32" 2PAUFKG32L FS American

Adams 29" 2PAUFKG29L FS American

Adams Schnellar Timpani 61cm

How to Choose the Best Timpanis

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

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